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Best family hotels in Dubrovnik, according to parents

A short flight from the UK, the beautiful city of Dubrovnik offers families lots to see and do together. Here’s our guide to the best family hotels in Dubrovnik.

By Nela Lukic | Last updated May 3, 2024

Family hotels in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s magnificent Old Town is a sight to behold, and fast became a sought-after destination after starring as one of Game of Thrones’ most prominent filming locations.

While there are plenty of hotels targeting couples seeking a romantic getaway, Dubrovnik makes a great family holiday destination, no matter how old your kids are.

Enjoy the sparkling waters of the Adriatic, go kayaking or visit the beach, explore the city’s walls, or take in the view from a cable car. And there are delectable local dishes and outstanding wines too!

The Old Town area is flat so you should have no trouble exploring with a pram or buggy in tow. In fact, they’re a common sight on the city’s main street, Stradun. Bear in mind however, that it may prove challenging to get around if you venture away from the main areas, so packing a baby carrier is definitely recommended.

Head out of the Old Town and beyond the city’s medieval walls and you’ll find large hotels and resorts with facilities that suit families of all ages.

To help you plan your trip, we’ve handpicked the best family hotels in Dubrovnik, as loved by Mumsnetters. We’ve tailored our list to include luxury and budget options, and each recommendation has been selected to make your holiday in Dubrovnik pleasant and memorable.

Read next: The best family hotels in Croatia, according to Mumsnetters

What are the best family hotels in Dubrovnik?

1
Best overall hotel

Rixos Premium Dubrovnik

What Mumsnet users say
VixenTodd · Stayed + rated
"The Rixos - the sea view rooms have a massive outdoor area."
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Our verdict

This seafront hotel is just a two-minute walk from a beach, which also has two seasonal pools - including one for kids.

With a large spa area, indoor pool, a sauna, and a gym, this resort offers chic luxurious amenities for parents, and entertainment for the kids in the form of an indoor play area and an outdoor playground.

Stylish rooms feature wooden floors with modern furniture, as well as sitting areas and minifridges. Upgraded rooms have balconies, and suites come with terraces, separate living rooms and whirlpool tubs.

The Rixos Premium Dubrovnik has three bars and three restaurants. Besides the buffet restaurant, it has two restaurants offering fabulous a la carte dining experience.

The hotel is in a great location, and it’s just a short 15-minute walk to the city’s Old Town. For days when you’re feeling lazy, there’s a bus available, too.

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik (14 miles)

2
Best budget hotel

Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik

What Mumsnet users say
rookiemere · Stayed + Rated
“We stayed in the Valamar Lacroma. It has a lovely outdoor pool and indoor one and an amazing breakfast buffet. It's a little out of town but you can get an uber to the city gates for around £8 which takes 10 minutes, or there is a bus which takes longer (also get an uber to and from the airport cheaper than hotel organised cabs).”
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Our verdict

The Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik is on the Babin Kuk, and is just 250 metres away from the pebble beach of the neighbouring hotel, Valamar President Dubrovnik. It has an indoor and outdoor pool, a children’s pool, a spa, a gym, and sports courts. From June to September, children aged 3 to 12 can get some extra fun at the Maro Club in the nearby Club Dubrovnik Sunny Hotel by Valamar.

Rooms are modern and comfortable. Upgraded rooms have balconies with sea views. Suites, some of which are bi-level, also have living rooms, and two-bedroom apartments come with kitchenettes and hot tubs.

The hotel has four bars and two restaurants. If you opt for half board, you can take advantage of the Dine Around service: exchange your buffet dinner for a la carte dishes in the Miramare restaurant on the beach and get a 30% discount on food.

When venturing out to explore, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is just under four miles away and can be easily reached by bus.

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport (12 miles)

3
Best hotel for pools

The Royal Princess Hotel

What Mumsnet users say
Jimjam68 · Stayed + rated
“We stayed at The Royal Princess Hotel in Lapad last May which I would recommend. There is a lovely coastal path from the hotel to a beach area with lots of restaurants, and a cave bar set into the cliff (the More hotel I think). It was a 10 minute Uber ride to the old town. We really liked staying a short distance away from the Old Town. There is a website that tells you how many cruise ships are docking each day so you can judge the best day/time to visit the Old Town.”
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Our verdict

On the shores of the Lapad Peninsula, surrounded by pine forest, The Royal Princess Hotel offers timeless luxury and a prime location.

The hotel is just 100 metres from the private paved beach, and offers a spa with a sauna and a gym, as well as an indoor pool. There are also three outdoor pools, including a children’s pool.

Hotel rooms have balconies and offer garden or sea views, or opt for more space with a luxuriously decorated suite, which has a kitchenette and a living room. For something a little more upscale, upgrade your suite for a room with a whirlpool tub, a sauna, and even a fireplace.

With three bars, a buffet restaurant, a restaurant offering vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes (open for breakfast and lunch), as well as two a la carte restaurants, you and the family will remain well fed and watered during your stay here. Highchairs are available throughout the hotel’s dining outlets, and for nights when you’d like some alone time, babysitting services are available for a fee.

When venturing out, Dubrovnik’s famous Old Town and its landmarks are just 2.5 miles away and there’s a bus stop conveniently located outside the hotel.

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport (15 miles)

4
Best for sea views

Royal Neptun Hotel Dubrovnik

What Mumsnet users say
beachygirl · Stayed + rated
“I stayed at Hotel Neptun on Babin Kuk. Good location as at the start of the bus route so you can get a seat when going into Dubrovnik. Part of a complex of 4/5 hotels so you can use all the facilities.”
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Our verdict

The Royal Neptun Hotel Dubrovnik is a peaceful beachfront retreat in the Babin Kuk area of the Lapad Peninsula. The resort lies just 20 metres from a rock platform, from which you can dive and jump into the sparkling waters of the Adriatic.

There are two swimming pools - a cliff-top pool with breathtaking views, and a pool for kids. Out of the sun, guests can relax in the sauna or spend some time in the hotel’s gym.

Most of the rooms here have a balcony, while upgraded rooms enjoy sea views too. For families seeking something more spacious, suites come with living areas and sofabeds.

The Royal Neptun Hotel has a cocktail bar and three restaurants, and all have terrace seating, so that you can enjoy stunning sunsets.

A stay here means you’ll be close to Dubrovnik and its historical sites, and there’s a bus stop outside the hotel for the short 2.5 mile journey into town.

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport (15 miles)

5
Best resort for families

Hotel Croatia

What Mumsnet users say
GreyGardens88 · Stayed + rated
“We stayed in the large Hotel Croatia but there are plenty of options in the town. There are some nice walks and bars and restaurants, but a lot quieter than Dubrovnik. You can get a water taxi or the bus to and from Dubrovnik.”
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Our verdict

The charming town of Cavtat is located at the southernmost tip of Dubrovnik’s Riviera, and the impressive Hotel Croatia Cavtat is perched on a cliff edge overlooking the town across a turquoise bay.

The hotel has access to two beaches that can be reached by walking down steep steps. If you find this too strenuous, you can use the hotel’s buggy service. There are also two outdoor pools, one of which is a children’s pool, as well as a wellness centre with a sauna and a gym.

During peak season (July and August), the hotel provides frequent daytime entertainment, such as small team games and family activities. Kids between 4 and 12 can enjoy a variety of activities in the children’s club, from arts and crafts, sports, to drama and music. The hotel also has an outdoor children’s playground, and babysitting services are available at additional charge.

Completely refurbished rooms are elegant and comfortable and most of them have stunning sea views.

There are four bars - including a pool bar, piano bar and beach bar - as well as four restaurants, including a buffet and three a la carte options.

For days when you explore, be aware that this resort option is around 11 miles away from Dubrovnik itself, and the best way to travel between Cavtat and the city is by car or bus, which takes around 40 minutes each way.

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport (4 miles)

6
Best stylish hotel

Royal Palm Hotel Dubrovnik

Our verdict

The modern and stylish Royal Palm Hotel Dubrovnik is located on the Lapad Peninsula, just 50 metres from a private beach area. The hotel has three swimming pools, including a children's pool, and the wellness centre offers a sauna, an indoor pool and a fitness area.

The modern rooms feature a balcony overlooking the sea or the park. Suites have separate living areas with sofas for families needing more space.

Dining options include three restaurants, a buffet restaurant and two a la carte restaurants. There are also two bars. Highchairs are available at restaurants and babysitting services can be arranged at a charge.

Guests point out that it is difficult to navigate the steps to the beach and to the promenade with a baby stroller, as a ramp is not provided so this one may be better suited to older kids.

Local buses stop just 50 metres from the hotel to take guests to the Old Town, which is just 2 miles away.

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport (15 miles)

7
Best by the beach

Valamar Collection Dubrovnik President Hotel

What Mumsnet users say
Crumbs1 · Stayed + rated
“We stayed outside Dubrovnik in a nice resort hotel that was a very easy 10 minute bus ride into the town. Buses were regular and cheap. Hotel was a group of, I think, three together. [Valamar Collection]... We stayed in the President but could use other hotel facilities. Small beach, nice pools, gym, reasonable restaurant.”
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Our verdict

In the Babin Kuk area of the Lapad peninsula, the Valamar Collection Dubrovnik President Hotel combines contemporary style and a prime beachfront location.

Relax at the hotel's pebble and paved beach, which is a minutes' walk away. The wellness centre has a sauna and a gym, and all ages are welcome to use the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools. For younger holidaymakers, a kids' club - suitable for kids aged 3 to 12 years - is available at the sister hotel, Club Dubrovnik Sunny Hotel by Valamar, during high season.

The rooms with terraces and balconies offer stunning sea views and all rooms are spacious and comfortably furnished. If you select a suite, you’ll also have a living room and a hot tub.

Three bars including a beach bar, lounge bar and pool bar serve a range of local and international drinks. One restaurant is reserved for buffet breakfast and dinner, while two restaurants are a la carte.

A public bus stop is in the hotel's immediate vicinity and it provides a connection to the Old Town of Dubrovnik, which is under four miles away.

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport (14 miles)

8
Best luxury hotel

Hotel Bellevue

What Mumsnet users say
GreyWind1523 · Stayed + rated
“Hotel Bellevue in Dubrovnik has a nice little pebble beach with a beach bar and sunbeds. We were only there for 3 nights but it’s a lovely hotel and the restaurant food was excellent. It’s about a 15 minutes walk to the city walls but that didn’t bother us to be out of the way on cruise ship day!”
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Our verdict

The elegant Hotel Bellevue is perched above Miramare Bay. It's a pleasant walk from Dubrovnik Old Town and is perfect for those seeking relaxation.

A secluded pebble beach is directly below this clifftop hotel. Just get into an lift, drop down 30 metres, and you're ready to plunge into the sea.

The highly rated spa has an indoor pool, a sauna, and a gym, and all rooms offer splendid sea views and feature glass-fronted balconies and wood floors. Upgraded rooms have living areas, and suites come with living rooms and dining areas, as well as whirlpool tubs.

The hotel is renowned for its two eateries: it has a beachside restaurant set in an intimate man-made cave that serves lunch, and a restaurant serving a fusion of Dalmatian seafood delicacies and international dishes. Both restaurants are seasonal. The wine bar has a rich selection of domestic and international wines and offers regular wine tastings. There's also a lounge bar to enjoy when you want some adult-only time as babysitting services can be arranged, at a charge.

It’s worth mentioning that the Hotel Bellevue offers bed and buffet breakfast only, there are no half-board of full-board options. A great choice if you like to venture out for meals while exploring, but it can be tricky when you need to feed hungry kids at whatever time of the day.

Although the historic centre of Dubrovnik is only under a mile away and easily reachable on foot, you can opt to take a bus from the nearby stop.

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport (13 miles)

9
Best contemporary hotel
Our verdict

On the Lapad Peninsula, this stylish hotel makes a great base from which to explore the area. It's about 400 metres from Bellevue Beach, and additional amenities include an outdoor pool and a spa.

Most of the comfortable modern rooms offer sea views, and upgraded rooms have balconies with suites offering separate bedrooms.

The buffet restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, while the a la carte restaurant offers a variety of local dishes. Highchairs are available for small children, and for the adults and older guests, there's also a bar and a snack bar.

It’s worth mentioning that some guests find the pool area rather small and crowded. Perhaps not an ideal choice if you have a large family, or younger guests that need more entertainment.

The heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town is a mile away and the scenic stroll takes some 20 minutes. The bus stop is about 150 metres from the hotel should you wish to use it.

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport (13 miles)

10
Best historic hotel
What Mumsnet users say
SLT2022 · Recommended destination
“There's a couple of Italian restaurants in Lapad itself. Definitely go to the cave bar below the hotel More in Lapad. There's a supermarket called Tommy's just round the back of the tennis courts which is great to pick up whatever snacks and drinks you want. Dubrovnik walls are a lovely walk and I would advise taking a cardigan or jumper though. On the main strip in Lapad there's lots of stands doing boat tours, we did a 3 island one and it was fantastic.”
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Our verdict

On the Gruz harbourfront of the Lapad Peninsula, Hotel Lapad occupies one of the oldest buildings in Dubrovnik and has a modern annex. It's full of character and history while providing a comfortable stay.

For days when you want to lap up the sunshine and cool down in water, the beach is 600 metres away, and the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool.

Elegant rooms combine clean lines with luxurious fabrics, and some offer balconies. If you wish to book a suite, you’ll enjoy two bathrooms - a great option for teenagers that appreciate privacy.

The hotel’s restaurant serves buffet breakfast and dinner, and you can enjoy a range of international and local cuisine at an a la carte restaurant and a variety of drinks at the pool bar.

The Old Town is around 2 miles away and can be reached easily by bus.

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport (14 miles)

Read next: The best destinations in Spain for a family holiday

What are the best things to do with kids in Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik might be famous for its big city walls and as a Game of Thrones filming location, but it is also a great place to go with the kids.

We’ve listed a few things to do with the kids in Dubrovnik:

  • Lapad beach: with its shallow turquoise waters, this beach is suitable for the smallest family members to paddle and splash around

  • Dubrovnik Cable Car: see the city from above as you journey to Mount Srd

  • Mount Srd hiking: there are several hiking trails, monuments and incredible views for the family to enjoy.

  • Dubrovnik Buggy Safari: see ancient fortresses, old mine fields and Croatian wildlife from the comfort of a buggy.

  • Elaphiti Island Cruise: many operators offer lunch and snorkelling making this a full day out for the family

Is Dubrovnik family friendly?

Dubrovnik has so much to offer the whole family. The entire city is devoted to coastal adventures, incredible history and a variety of ways to explore, be it on four wheels, in the sky or at the beachfront. This is a recommended family-friendly destination by Mumsnetters, and it’s easy to see why.

Where is the best place for a family holiday in Dubrovnik?

The city is definitely filled with adventure, but it gets very crowded with cruise tourists. That’s why we recommend staying a few miles outside the city walls. This way getting to the centre is cheap and fast, but you’ll have the space and serenity of a beach getaway without the constant buzz of the city.

The most recommended area of Dubrovnik by Mumsnetters is Lapad.

Do I need to hire a car in Dubrovnik?

Hiring a car in Dubrovnik will just be more stressful than useful, as parking is difficult to find and expensive. Everything in the town is within walking distance, and the hotels outside of the city can be accessed via Uber or bus easily.

When is the best time to go to Dubrovnik?

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is in summer between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July. However, if crowds and heat are not your thing, September and October are also pleasant.

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations by real parents

Before choosing any destination for our roundups, we first consult the Mumsnet forums. With over 10 million users per month, there’s a lot of suggestions by real parents who have been there, done that when travelling to Dubrovnik with the family.

Expert guidance and traveller reviews

After we’ve collated our hotel picks, we then turn to the experts and consult the likes of TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia to see what their recommendations include for family holidays here.

Here we’ll also check what travellers are saying about Dubrovnik on these sites, taking into consideration both the positive and negative points of their trip to bring you a well-rounded and honest guide.

We also examined what industry experts Quartz and Lonely Planet.were also recommending.

Celebrated hotels

Finally, we cross-referenced all of the above information to find the best Dubrovnik hotels for families that had won the most awards and recommendations across the board. We feel there’s something here for everyone, to suit every budget.

Why should you trust us?

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.